Dark Winter Color Palette & Full Guide: All You Need To Know

This guide has all you need to know about the Dark Winter color palette, prints, color combos, makeup, and more.

You're in the right place to build your perfect wardrobe and express your true self.

Sit back, relax with your favorite drink, and enjoy the reading.

Reading time: 8'

1. Features – Dark & Cool

Your main color profile leans towards darker shades with cool undertones. Cooler colors complement your appearance more than warmer ones.

Your dark hair and eyes are likely the first things you notice in the mirror, with your skin tone ranging from dark to very light.

Your features stand out with a noticeable contrast. The bright whites of your eyes and teeth pop against the backdrop of dark eyes, hair, and possibly dark skin.

 

1.1 Eyes

Your eyes are dark. You might notice a distinct border outlining the iris. Spokes on the iris are also distinctive features commonly associated with Winter eyes.

 

1.2 Hair

Your hair is also dark, usually leaning towards a neutral or slightly ashy tone. It typically lacks highlights and doesn't tend to develop any, even when exposed to sunlight.

 

1.3 Skin

The skin tone tends to be either neutral or neutralcool, suggesting that both gold and silver complement it well.

However, silver tends to be the more favorable choice.

In the case of Lana Parrilla, her skin is fair with neutralcool undertones.

 

1.4 Contrast

Your contrast level between your skin, eyes, and hair is high.

The high contrast between the iris and the whites of the eyes is clearly noticeable. This is especially evident in individuals with mainly dark features.

In the images above, you can observe a significant disparity in shades among the features. The hair and eyes exhibit a deep darkness, while the skin, in contrast, appears light.

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2. Color dimensions

The colors lean towards the cooler end of the hue scale, incorporating more blue than yellow. Even warmer shades tend to have a cooler undertone.

You'll find a greater variety of shades in the blue and grey spectrum, with darker hues dominating the palette. This variation is crucial for achieving the high contrast typical of Dark Winter.

The palette has a slightly higher chroma. This makes the colors saturated and vibrant, but they lean towards darkness rather than intense brightness.

 

3. Color Palette

Dark Winter captures the essence of deep winter nights. It's reminiscent of the celestial dance, where stars stand out against the black-and-blue sky, evoking an ambiance of mystery and enchantment.

These colors exude darkness and coolness, akin to when the moon casts a gentle glow on the night sky, illuminating the shadowy, mist-laden forests below.

Dark Winter colors truly capture the hues of the night.

 

3.1 Best Colors

Some fabulous color choices include:

Black is part of the Winter palette and can be used as a dark neutral, especially for those with light skin and high contrast against their hair and eyes.

Those with darker skin should use black more sparingly and can opt for dark blues and dark greens as dark neutrals.

Pure white is included in the Dark Winter palette. However, it is advisable to combine it with a darker color to achieve a striking contrast.

Additionally, you have light beiges and greys in your palette, which can be utilised as light neutrals.

3.2 Worst Colors

Since the Dark Winter palette emphasizes depth and coolness, lighter and warmer colors may not complement you as well.

Avoid very warm, earthy tones like golden oranges and browns as they may make you appear less vibrant.

Also avoid warmer pastel and desaturated colors that may clash with your bright appearance.

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4. Metals & Accessories

Your neutral-cool palette opens up possibilities with metals. While silver and pewter remain top choices, gold can also find its place, especially in darker, less yellow variations.

The choice between shiny and matte metals is less crucial for you, as both can harmonize well.

When it comes to gemstones, the splendid richness of ruby shines on you.

You can also explore the allure of saturated violet stones and the timeless elegance of amethyst in your jewelry choices.

Another great choice is sapphire because of its deep, cold and rich coloring

 

5. Color Combinations

While you can technically combine any colors from the Dark Winter palette, the most flattering combinations replicate the natural high contrast in your appearance.

Pairing a light neutral color with a dark accent hue, such as light grey with dark purple, creates value and hue contrast, which is especially flattering on you.

 

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6. Prints

6.1 Colors

Opt for patterns that exclusively feature Dark Winter colors, as seen in the first example below.

If a pattern includes a small amount of color from a disharmonious palette, it's still wearable.

However, avoid patterns with an excess of a disharmonious color as shown in the second example.

6.2 Contrast

Due to your naturally high contrast coloring, choose patterns that mirror this level of contrast instead of those that are too subdued.

6.3 Pattern arrangements

Bold patterns with high contrast and unique elements are ideal for you. Look for geometric shapes, abstract prints, and stylized interpretations of natural elements.

Avoid dense floral patterns and designs with faded or blended elements like watercolor prints..

7. Makeup

7.1 Foundation & concealer

Specific recommendations for complexion makeup, like foundation and concealer, are challenging and you need to do some trial and error until you find the perfect match for you.

In general, opt for foundation and concealer with a smooth and silky texture for optimal application.

Avoid strongly yellow-based foundations, as they may clash with the cool undertones of your complexion.

Choosing makeup with consideration for your cooler undertones enhances a harmonious and flattering finish.

 

7.2 Bronzer & contouring

Being part of the cool color family, bronzer tends to appear unnatural on you.

Despite Dark Winter having roots in the bronzy tones of Autumn, using bronzer is unlikely to enhance your overall appearance.

It's advisable to omit bronzer from your makeup routine.

For face framing, consider applying a modest amount of highlighter to the cheeks. However, exercise caution not to overdo it, as excessive application can result in an unnatural look.

 

7.3 Blush Palette

The ideal blush color for you hinges on your skin tone's darkness. If your skin is lighter, consider lighter pinks, while darker reds can complement deeper skin tones.

Discovering your perfect shade might involve a bit of trial and error.

Blush may not be the most captivating makeup product for a Dark Winter, so it's essential not to go overboard with it.

Steer clear of peachy and other yellow-based hues, as they can clash with your naturally cool complexion, disrupting the overall harmony of your makeup.

 

7.4 Lipstick

Lipstick is a standout makeup choice for Dark Winters! Embrace intense shades like deep reds and purples, which beautifully complement your bold features.

Avoid nude shades and opt for darker, more intense colors instead. Steer clear of overly warm, orangebased tones, as they can dull your complexion.

Experiment with application techniques to find the perfect balance, and enjoy the stunning effect of colors that enhance your Dark Winter palette

 

8. Eye makeup

8.1 Eyeshadows

Versatile eyeshadow choices for Winter tones include neutral shades like taupes and greys from the palette. Embrace the drama with black eyeshadow for a more intense look.

When selecting highlight and accent eyeshadows, explore the purples, blues, and greens on your palette. Greyish greens complement beautifully, while dark purples can enhance brown eyes with particular elegance.

Steer clear of completely matte finishes, and instead, choose eyeshadows with a subtle shine. However, it's advisable to avoid glitter for a more polished and sophisticated look.

 

8.2 Mascara

As a Winter, black mascara is a flattering choice for you. This color might appear too harsh for individuals in other color families, but Winters can effortlessly carry it off.

Alternatively, consider a cool, dark grey for a subtle and sophisticated look.

 

8.3 Eyeliner

Eyeliner colors follow a similar palette to mascara, with the added options of blues, greens, and purples.

Here's a helpful tip: opt for an eyeliner color that is similar to your eyes to enhance their natural beauty.

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Written by Alexandra Stan